Robert Earl Smith

ROBERT EARL SMITH, age 74, of Staples formerly of Waseca, died peacefully on Saturday, October 8, 2022 at the St. Cloud Hospital.

Born on April 30, 1948, in Wadena to Malcolm and Hazel (Dewald) Smith. He received his education at Staples High School and graduated with the class of 1966. Robert continued his education at the Vo Tech in Staples where he studied cooking. He enlisted into the United States Air Force where he was stationed on the Aleutian Islands prior to his honorable discharge. On April 21, 1973, Robert was united in marriage to Janet Gahler in Pillager. Together they made their home in Waseca while raising three children and spent 42 years of marriage before they divorced.

Robert worked for Steve Johnson at Waseca Foods for 17 years and other various jobs in the area before working for Itron, where he worked for 11 years before retiring in 2012. He enjoyed fishing, listening to country western music, playing bingo and going to the casino. Robert’s family fondly remembers their dad as a kind man and cherishes the love he shared with them. Every night before bedtime he would always tell each one of his children “I Love You”. He will be dearly missed.

Robert is survived by his children: Heidi Smith, Chalene Smith, and Heath Smith (Katie Olson) all of Waseca; former wife: Janet Smith of Waseca; four grandchildren: Kylah and Kaymari Smith, and Blake and Isabel Olson; siblings: Della Hanson of Motley, Keith Smith of Sioux Falls, SD, and Echo Schneider of Motley; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Preceded in death by his parents; siblings: Ray Smith, Donna Spilman, Norman Smith, Dale Smith, and Irene Smith in infancy.

Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 PM concluding with a prayer service at 7:00 PM all on Thursday, October 13, 2022 at the State Street Chapel of Dennis-Steffel-Omtvedt Funeral and Cremation Service in Waseca.